Description
Arancini Rice Balls are golden, crispy Italian treats with a gooey cheese center and creamy risotto base, perfect as appetizers, party snacks, or a comforting main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Risotto:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Arancini:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the Risotto: Heat the broth over low heat. In a separate skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes. Add broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until rice is creamy and al dente (18–20 minutes). Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cool completely.
- Form the Arancini: Take about 2 tablespoons of risotto, flatten in your palm, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and form into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Bread the Rice Balls: Set up dredging station with eggs and breadcrumbs. Dip each ball in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until coated.
- Fry the Arancini: Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry rice balls in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with parsley and accompanied by marinara sauce.
Notes
Try variations with sautéed vegetables, ground meat, or different cheeses. For a lighter option, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze uncooked and fry from frozen.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice ball
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg